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Electric crane fleet grows as Teesport targets higher bulk throughput
PD Ports has expanded its bulk handling capacity at Teesport with the arrival of a third electric Liebherr LPS 550 portal slewing crane, reinforcing operations at one of the UK’s largest deep water ports.
The new crane joins two identical units commissioned in 2023 and will support bulk cargo operations at the Middlesbrough based facility, where the port operator handles between 26 and 28 million tonnes of cargo annually. Teesport manages a mix of containers, bulks and project cargo and remains a key logistics hub for northern England with direct rail links and access to major road corridors.
The latest investment comes as ports across Europe continue to balance rising cargo volumes with pressure to improve operational efficiency and reduce emissions. For terminals working bulk vessels, every hour alongside matters. A delayed discharge can quickly ripple through berth schedules, rail slots and onward trucking.
Prepared specifically for bulk handling, the LPS 550 combines electric drive systems with long outreach and a lifting capacity of up to 144 tonnes. The design allows operators to work across wider vessel hatches with fewer crane repositioning moves, helping maintain steady cycle times during discharge operations.
Grant Honzik, Business Unit Director for Bulks at PD Ports, said the investment was focused on long term operational resilience.
“This latest investment is about building resilience and capacity into our bulk operations at Teesport for the long term,” he said.
“The performance and reliability of the existing Liebherr cranes has been proven day in, day out, and adding a third LPS 550 gives us greater flexibility on the berth and more headroom during peak demand.”
He added that customers would benefit from “consistent performance, quicker turnarounds and confidence that Teesport can keep cargo moving efficiently.”
Focus on uptime and berth flexibility
The crane operates entirely on shore power and eliminates onboard fuel consumption during operations. Electric drive systems also provide smoother and more precise handling, particularly important during long bulk discharge shifts where repetitive grab movements can affect productivity.
The portal design leaves space beneath the crane for trucks and rail vehicles to move freely around the terminal. That flexibility remains important at Teesport, where rail connectivity forms a central part of the port’s cargo strategy.
From the quayside, reliability often matters more than headline lifting figures. A crane sitting idle during a vessel call can create congestion across the terminal. PD Ports said the operational performance of the first two cranes played a major role in the decision to expand the fleet.
Gavin Robinson, Crane Electrical Manager at PD Ports, said the earlier units had delivered strong operational results since entering service.
“The two previous LPS 550 cranes have been a great success with regard to both volumes handled and the reliability of the cranes,” he said.
Liebherr Great Britain provides maintenance support and parts supply for the fleet, with servicing planned around vessel and rail schedules to minimise operational disruption.
David Vaughan, Divisional Manager Maritime and Port Equipment at Liebherr Great Britain, said the continued partnership reflected confidence in the equipment’s uptime performance.
“We have been working in partnership with PD Ports since the delivery of its first unit in 2023,” he said. “It’s excellent to hear such positive feedback on the reliable uptime and performance of the previous units.”
